Tool holder compatible with molle/pals attachment systems

ABSTRACT

A tool holder compatible with MOLLE/PALS webbing systems has a holder body defining a tool compartment with a holder opening, a back surface extending along a holder longitudinal axis, a bottom surface, and a front surface. A strap has a first end secured adjacent a top end of the tool holder with the strap body extending down along the holder back surface and around the bottom surface to the strap distal end portion, which includes a connector first portion. A connector second portion is secured to a holder front surface for releasably engaging the connector first portion. When the connector first portion engages the connector second portion, the strap wraps around the holder bottom surface and extends part way upward along the holder front surface.

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/727,217, titled TOOL VEST and filedon Jun. 1, 2015.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to wearable tool holders. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a tool vest andattachments for webbing-based attachment systems, such as MOLLEinterlock attachment systems.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Workers engaged in industrial plant maintenance, construction work, andthe like use a variety of hand tools to perform tasks. The work commonlytakes place at various heights above the ground and at times ispositioned over machinery or other workers. Accordingly, working atheight provides many reasons to avoid dropping tools. For instance, adropped tool wastes time and energy of the worker who must climb downfrom an elevated location to retrieve the dropped tool before work cancontinue. Oftentimes, the dropped tool will land in a place out of theuser's sight. A search undertaken to locate the tool, even if brief,further wastes valuable work time and interrupts the work flow.

Another more serious concern with dropped hand tools (i.e. hammers,screw drivers, pliers, ratchets, levels, flashlights, tape measures,etc.) is the risk of damage to equipment and death or injury to workersbelow the drop. Plant equipment can be damaged due to the impact of thefalling tool on the machinery or parts. A tool dropped into coolingsystems, liquid storage tanks, and other systems may require shuttingdown machinery or entire operations until the dropped tool can beretrieved.

Even though workers who use hand tools try diligently to maintain asecure grip on the tool, conditions are practically certain to arise inwhich tools will be dropped. To address tools dropped during use, toollanyards and tethers have been used to secure the tool to a harness orstructure.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,123 (1988, Kassal et al.) discloses a releasablestrap system. The releasable strap system includes the combination of ahand strap and a device strap. The hand strap is removably connectablearound the wrist of a hand and between two of the five fingers of thehand, leaving the hand free for normal use. The hand strap includes twoportions, a straight wrist portion and a curved looped portion. Thecurved loop portion has two ends connected to the straight wrist portionat separated intervals. The straight wrist portion is wrapped around thewrist of the user, threaded through a ring, tightened, and then foldedback and locked in position. The device strap is removably connected tothe hand strap for supporting an item not held in the user's hand andfor quick release from the hand strap.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,899 (1992, Larkin et al.) discloses a tool restraintapparatus. The tool restraint includes an elongate elastomeric tetherline with respective first and second flexible straps mounted to eachend. The first web strap is arranged for selective securement about auser's wrist and includes a first and second end that includes first andsecond hook-and-loop fastener patches that permit securement of thehook-and-loop fastener patches together. The second web strap issimilarly constructed like the first web strap.

Tool drops also occur due to a tool being knocked loose from theworker's tool belt or pocket while climbing or moving about a structure.Workers also use tool pouches designed for certain types of tools, wherethe tool pouch is removably attached to a tool belt using straps thatsnap or hook together. Similarly, a tool pouch may be accidentallyknocked loose from a tool belt and allowed to fall to the ground.

Carpenter's belts and pockets on vests or pants have been useful forstoring tools between uses. Although useful, carpenter's belts and toolpouches sometimes are not configured to securely hold the tool neededfor a given job. In such a situation, the worker may need to reconfiguretool pouches on the tool belt, which involves removing some tool pouchesand replacing the removed pouches with different tool pouches.Nonetheless, a tool belt has limited space to hold tools and toolpouches.

To address the need to modify one's clothing and equipment for the jobat hand, wearable garments with an interlock attaching strap system weredeveloped by the United States Army Natick Soldier Research, Developmentand Engineering Center. U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,707 to Kirk et al. disclosesa system for removably securing smaller objects (e.g., pouches) to aload-bearing platform, such as a vest or backpack. The system, alsoreferred to as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment or MOLLE,includes a mounting panel on the first object (e.g., garment), where themounting panel includes strips of webbing evenly spaced and stitchedacross the mounting surface, also known as PALS webbing (pouchattachment ladder system). The PALS grid consists of horizontal rows of1-inch Mil-W-43668 Type III nylon webbings that are spaced one inchapart and secured to the backing at 1.5 inch intervals. The spacingbetween the webbing rows allows webbings on a second object (e.g., apouch) to fit therebetween. The webbings are secured with stitchingperpendicular to the webbing to create channels between the webbing andthe garment through which a strap may be inserted.

In an example of using the MOLLE system, a pouch has at least oneattached flexible strap that extends vertically along the back of thepouch. One end of the flexible strap is secured near the pouch openingand the other end of the strap has a snap button that engages a snappost near the base of the pouch. Webbings on the garment receive thewebbings on the pouch in an interlocking fashion. The strap of the pouchis passed through the webbings on the garment and then again through thewebbings on the pouch in an interlocking fashion in order to effectivelyand removably mount the pouch to the garment. The fastener part at thelower end of the strap is then attached to a corresponding fastener parton the back surface of the pouch. Backpacks, vests, and other wearablegarments employ the interlock attaching system to enable the user toposition necessary pouches or other objects where they are most usefulto the individual user.

A variation on the MOLLE system is a quick-mount interlocking attachingsystem disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,430 to Wemmer. The Wemmer systemincludes a one-piece molded substrate adapter, a one-piece moldedaccessory adapter, and a discrete locking member. The substrate adapterhas a flat base that is affixed to the object (e.g., vest). Raisedregions are formed on the base at spaced-apart locations and alignedalong an axis and include slots to define openings. The accessoryadapter is similarly constructed with a flat base having raised regionsin a spaced-apart relation along a second axis, where the raised regionsalso have slots that define openings. The raised regions on theaccessory adapter are spaced to occupy voids between the raised regionson the substrate adapter. The locking member has a leading end and atrailing end and is removably insertable leading-end-first through thepassages on the raised regions of both adapters to interlock theaccessory adapter to the substrate adapter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

While MOLLE interlock attachment systems and PALS webbing have beenimplemented on vests, backpacks, tactical clothing, and mountaineeringequipment, the interlock attachment systems have not adequatelyaddressed the needs of workers who use hand tools on a jobsite.Particularly, MOLLE-compatible pouches and pockets used for tacticalapplications typically use a snap button fastener at the end of thestrap, where the corresponding snap on the pouch is located on the rearface of the pouch. If the pouch catches on another object and is pulledaway from the garment, the snap-button fastener can be inadvertentlydisconnected and allow the pouch to become detached from the garment.Similarly, accidental release of the locking member of the Wemmer systemallows the accessory pocket to quickly become decoupled from thegarment. Additionally, a fastener located between a pouch and thegarment creates a region that can be uncomfortable and sometimes painfulwhen impacted against one's body

Additionally, tactical MOLLE-compatible vests and other garments havewebbing or interlock members aligned in horizontal rows across thegarment. While magazine pouches, flashlight holders, and other pouchesare useful when oriented vertically (since fastened perpendicular to thewebbing), workers on a ladder or other precarious position often need tobe able to access and operate a tool with only one hand. Doing so iseasier when the tool pouch is angled in a “cross-draw” orientation withrespect to a vertical axis, where the pouch opening is oriented upwardand inward towards the garment center line, such as when angled upwardtowards the centrally-located front opening of a vest. Thus, the workermay reach across the body (e.g., with the right hand) to retrieve a toolfrom a pocket located on the opposite-side (e.g., on the user's left,front or left side) of the garment and angled conveniently for easyaccess.

Due to the deficiencies of prior art tool vests and MOLLE systems, aneed exists for an improved modular garment system for hand tools.Embodiments of the present invention address the deficiencies of theprior art by providing a system employing a modular garment andaccessory attachments therefor.

In one aspect of the present invention, a modular tool storage garmentincludes a wearable upper-body garment with a garment front panel and agarment rear panel. For example, the garment is a vest. The garment hasa plurality of first webbings secured to the garment front panel in asubstantially parallel relation, where each of the first webbingsdefines at least one passageway between the webbing and the front paneland passing perpendicular to the webbing. The first webbings extendsuperiorly and laterally away from a sternal region dividing the garmentfront panel into a right half and a left half.

In another embodiment, the garment includes a plurality of secondwebbings secured to the garment front portion in a substantiallyparallel relation. Each of the plurality of second webbings defines aplurality of second passageways between the webbing and the garment,where the passageways extend generally perpendicular to the webbing.Each of the plurality of second webbings is substantially horizontal asviewed with the garment donned by a user in a standing, uprightposition.

In some embodiments, the garment includes at least one tool holder oraccessory pouch configured to attach to the webbings of the garment.

In another embodiment, the system includes a safety harness attached tothe garment and including a left shoulder strap, a right shoulder strap,a left leg loop, and a right leg loop. In another embodiment, the safetyharness includes a harness loop secured to the garment rear surface andto the harness.

In another embodiment, the garment includes one or more garment tetherpockets secured to an inside surface of the front panel, where each ofthe one or more garment tether pockets is sized and configured to housea retractor body with a retractable tether cord. For each garment tetherpocket, the front panel defines at least one garment tether openingsized for passage of the retractable tether cord.

In another aspect of the present invention, a tool pouch compatible withMOLLE/PALS webbing includes a holder body defining a tool compartmentwith a holder opening, a holder back surface extending along alongitudinal pouch axis, and a holder bottom surface. The tool holderhas at least one strap with a strap proximal end portion, a strap bodyportion, and a strap distal end portion, where the strap proximal endportion is secured to the holder back surface adjacent the holderopening and the strap body portion extends along the holder back surfaceto the strap distal end portion. A connector first portion is secured tothe strap distal end portion of each strap. A connector second portionis secured to a bottom end portion of the tool holder and configured tomate with and engage the connector first portion to secure the strapdistal end portion to the tool holder.

In another embodiment, a tool holder compatible with MOLLE/PALS webbingsystems has a holder body defining a tool compartment with a holderopening, a back surface extending along a holder longitudinal axis, abottom surface, and a front surface. A strap has a first end securedadjacent a top end of the tool holder with the strap body extending downalong the holder back surface and around the bottom surface to the strapdistal end portion, which includes a connector first portion. Aconnector second portion is secured to a holder front surface forreleasably engaging the connector first portion. When the connectorfirst portion engages the connector second portion, the strap wrapsaround the holder bottom surface and extends part way upward along theholder front surface.

In another embodiment, the tool holder defines a retractor pocketlocated between the back surface and the tool compartment, where theretractor pocket defines a tether opening adjacent the holder opening.In one embodiment, the tether opening is an opening in a seam of theretractor pocket.

In another embodiment, the proximal end portions of the strap(s) aresecured into the seam of the retractor pocket, such as by stitching.

In one embodiment, a strap extends at an angle along the holder backsurface with respect to the central pouch axis. For example, the strapextends diagonally across the back surface.

In another embodiment, the connector first portion of a strap has atleast two corresponding connector second portions. For example, a singlestrap with a single connector first portion may be connected to one of aplurality of connector second portions, thereby allowing the user tochoose between the strap extending longitudinally and the strapextending at an angle across the back surface of the tool holder withrespect to the longitudinal pouch axis. This option allows the user touse the tool holder with a variety of MOLLE/PALS systems and achieve atool holder angled with respect to a vertical axis.

In another embodiment, the connector second portion is secured to theholder bottom surface. In one embodiment, the connector second portionis secured through the holder bottom surface. In some embodiments, theholder bottom surface and the back surface define an acute internalangle.

In another embodiment, the holder body is made of a pliable material andthe holder includes a self-tightening strap secured to and extendingbetween a first side portion and a second side portion of the holderbody and extending across a middle portion of the holder body. Theself-tightening strap comprises an elastic material and is sized to biasthe tool compartment towards a closed state along the middle portion.Elastic properties of the self-tightening strap urge the middle portionagainst an implement installed in the tool compartment to frictionallyengage the implement, thereby preventing the implement from accidentalremoval from the tool compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a garment of thepresent invention showing inclined webbings attached to a front surface.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a garment ofthe present invention showing a plurality of webbings, each of whichinclines slightly more than the webbing below it.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a garment ofthe present invention showing a plurality of first webbings inclined tothe horizontal, a plurality of second webbings parallel to thehorizontal, and a plurality of sternal webbings oriented along a medialline.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a tool holder ofthe present invention with a retractor pouch.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the tool holder of FIG. 4 showing astrap fixedly attached to a back surface.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of part of the tool holder of FIG. 4showing the bottom surface inclined to the back surface and a connectorattached to the bottom surface.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a toolholder of the present invention showing a self-tightening strap disposedacross the front of the holder.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a tool holderof the present invention showing two straps, each of which has aconnector attached on the bottom surface.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a tool holderof the present invention showing two straps, each of which has aconnector attached to the back surface.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a toolholder of the present invention showing straps extending from a singleor overlapping point of attachment adjacent the holder opening.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a toolholder of the present invention showing straps extending from a singleor overlapping point of attachment near an upper corner of the backsurface, where one strap extends diagonally across the back surface andanother strap extends longitudinally along the back surface.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate top, right side, and front perspective views,respectively, of another embodiment of a tool holder of the presentinvention, where the straps extend along the back surface and warparound the bottom end of the tool holder to engage connectors located onthe holder front surface.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate top, right side, and front perspective views,respectively, of another embodiment of a tool holder that includes abracket configured to accept a belt clip or the like.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a garmentof the present invention shown with a plurality of tool holders attachedto webbings in various locations on the front panel.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a toolgarment of the present invention showing retractor pockets andpassageways for a retractable tether.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a combinationtool garment and safety harness, where the garment may employ webbingsof the other garment embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1-16. FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of a wearablegarment 100 of the present invention. As shown, garment 100 is a vestwith a front panel 102 and a back panel 104. A sternal region 103extends vertically along the middle of front panel 102 and generallydivides front panel 102 into a right half 122 and a left half 124. Acentral longitudinal garment axis 114 extending along sternal region103. In one embodiment, right half 122 and left half 124 are generallysymmetrical. In one embodiment, front panel 102 and back panel 104 aremade of a breathable polyester mesh, but other fabrics, cloths, andmaterials are acceptable.

In one embodiment, garment 100 has an opening 106 to permit the user todon and take off garment 100. In other embodiments, garment 100 isconfigured as a pull-over shirt or vest that has adjustable straps totighten garment 100 on the user after donning. Opening 106 may be onfront panel 102 (e.g., along sternal region 103), on back panel 104,along one or both side seams 110 a, 110 b between front panel 102 andback panel 104, or at other locations on garment 100. In one embodiment,opening 106 is selectively openable and closable by the user with aclosure 108. Closure 108 may be a zipper, straps with clips, hooks,straps, ties, buttons, or any other closure deemed appropriate andsufficiently secure for the intended use. Optionally, garment 100includes sleeves (not shown).

A plurality of first webbings 130 are secured to an outside surface 102a of front panel 102 and extend upward and outward from sternal region103 and/or central longitudinal garment axis 114 as viewed in FIG. 1.That is, first webbings 130 extend superiorly (i.e., towards the user'shead) and laterally (i.e., towards the side) from sternal region 103.First webbings 130 include first right webbings 130 a and first leftwebbings 130 b, which are attached to front panel 102 between arespective right shoulder portion 116 a or left shoulder portion 116 b,waist 112, and sternal region 103. First webbings 130 are substantiallyparallel to each other and have a webbing width W1. In one embodiment,first webbings 130 are spaced apart from each other by webbing width W1or more, thereby allowing corresponding webbings on an accessory to bereceived between webbings 130.

First webbings 130 are secured to front panel 102 with fasteners 132 atevenly-spaced locations. Fasteners 132 may be, for example, stitching,rivets, snaps, or other fastener 132. Consistent with known MOLLE/PALSwebbing panels, spaced-apart fasteners 132 on each first webbing 130define passageways 134 between webbing 130 and front panel 102, whereeach passageway 134 is aligned along a passageway axis 135 generallyperpendicular to first webbings 130. For example, first webbings 130 aremade of heavy-duty nylon with a webbing width W1 of about one inch (2.54cm) and are secured to front panel 102 by stitching that extendsperpendicularly across webbing width W1 and spaced about every 1.5inches (3.81 cm) along the webbing. First webbings 130 may be made ofother materials, including woven and non-woven fabrics, stretchablefabrics, and other webbings. Other values for width W1 and fastenerspacing are acceptable. Consistent with MOLLE/PALS systems of the priorart, fasteners 133 and passageways 134 of adjacent webbings 130 aregenerally aligned along axis 135 extending perpendicular to webbings130.

In one embodiment, some or all of first webbings 130 are inclined at anangle α of about 45° with respect to a horizontal axis 113. Other valuesof angle α are also acceptable, such as 20°, 30°, and 37.5°. In someembodiments, first right webbings 130 a are inclined with respect tohorizontal axis 113 and have a value of α that is different from that offirst left webbings 130 b. For example, first right webbings 130 a areinclined at 45° and first left webbings are inclined at 30°. In otherembodiments, first right webbings 130 a or first left webbings 130 b areparallel to horizontal axis 113.

Referring now to FIG. 2, another embodiment of garment 100 is shown withfirst webbings 130 inclined to horizontal axis 113 at different angles.For example, some or all of first webbings 130 incline in increasingangles moving vertically from waist 112 towards shoulder 116. As shownin FIG. 3, for example, each of first left webbings 130 b inclines atangle α that is 2° greater than angle α for the adjacent webbing 130below it. As a result, webbing row 130 a of first left webbings 130closer to waist 112 inclines at angle α (e.g., 30°.) Next webbing row130 b inclines at α+2 (e.g., 32°), next webbing row 130 c inclines atα+4 (e.g., 34°), and so on. Angle α increases a fixed amount of about1-3° for each webbing 130 moving up garment 100 from waist 112 towardsshoulder 116. Since passageways 134 will be somewhat out of alignment,the position of adjacent webbings 130 may be adjusted as needed so thatattachment straps of an accessory pouch or the like can extend throughtwo to three passageways 134.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a front elevational view shows anotherembodiment of garment 100. In this embodiment, opening 106 and closure108 are located along back panel 104. Locating opening 106 on back panel104 increases the area on front panel 102 available for attachment ofaccessory pouches and the like. Garment 100 includes a second pluralityof webbings 140 attached to and extending horizontally across a lowerregion 115 of front panel 102. For example, second webbings 140 includetwo to five rows of webbing 140 on lower region 115 with the bottom-mostwebbing 140 a positioned along or just above waist 112. Second webbings140 may be closely adjacent one another or spaced apart by webbing widthW2 similar to first webbings 130 as noted above. Typically, webbingwidth W2 is equal to webbing width W1, but this is not required. As anexample using one-inch-wide (2.54 cm) webbing, the bottom three rows ofsecond webbings 140 are abutting or nearly abutting one another wherethree rows of webbings 140 a, 140 b, 140 c occupy about three inches(7.62 cm) on front panel 102. Fourth row of webbing 140 d is spacedabove third row webbing 140 c webbing by about one inch (2.54 cm)(webbing width W2). In other embodiments, additional horizontal webbings140 may be used on garment 100 in other desired areas, such as nearshoulders 116.

Optionally, garment 100 includes a plurality of horizontal sternalwebbings 150 on sternal region 103. Sternal webbings 150 extend parallelto horizontal axis 113 and have a significantly reduced length comparedto waist 112. For example, each sternal webbing 150 defines one to threesternal passageways 152 similar to passageways 134 as discussed abovefor first webbings 130. Sternal webbings 150 are disposed in a parallelrelation, typically with a sternal passageway 152 of each sternalwebbing 150 centered along sternal region 103 and along longitudinalgarment axis 114. In one embodiment, sternal webbings 150 are spacedfrom each other by sternal webbing width W3. In other embodiments, someor all of sternal webbings 150 are positioned to abut or nearly abuteach other. In one embodiment, sternal webbings width W3 is the same aswebbing width W1 for first webbings 130. In other embodiments, sternalwebbing width W3 is less than or greater than webbing width W1, such asfor specialty pouches for small items.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a front perspective view illustrates oneembodiment of a tool holder 200 configured to attach to first webbings130, second webbings, and/or sternal webbings 150 discussed above. Pouch200 has a holder body 202 defining a back surface 204 extending along alongitudinal pouch axis 201, a tool compartment 206 with an opening ormouth 208, and a bottom surface 210. Tool compartment 206 extendslongitudinally from opening 208 to bottom surface 210. In someembodiments, tool holder 200 is made of a pliable fabric. Tool holder200 may also be made of stiff or rigid materials, such as plastic orreinforced fabric, so that tool holder 200 maintains its shape with anopen tool compartment 206.

In some embodiments, a retractor pocket 214 is defined on or attached toa front surface 212 for holding a retractable tether 216. Similarly, inother embodiments, retractor pocket 214 is attached to or built intoback surface 204 of tool holder 200. In some embodiments, retractorpocket 214 has an opening 218 along a lower edge 220 for installing orremoving retractable tether 216 from retractor pocket 214. Opening 218alternately may be positioned along a side or top edge of retractorpocket 214. In some embodiments, opening 218 can be opened and closedselectively by including hook-and-loop fastener strips (not shown) alongopening 218. Other connectors, such as a zipper, snaps, and the like arealso acceptable for opening and closing opening 218. Optionally,retractor pocket 214 has a separate tether opening 222 in an upperportion 224 of retractor pocket 214, or in other convenient areas ofretractor pocket 214. For example, tether opening 222 is constructedwith a grommet, an unstitched area, a button hole, or other opening. Insome embodiments, tether opening 222 is an unsecured portion of opening218.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a rear perspective view shows tool holder 200of FIG. 4 with a strap 230 fixedly attached to back surface 204. Strap230 includes a strap body portion 232 extending longitudinally between astrap proximal end portion 234 and a strap distal end 236. Strapproximal end portion 234 portion is fixedly attached, such as bystitching, to back surface 204 adjacent pouch opening 208. A connectorfirst portion 241 of a connector 240 is secured to strap distal endportion 236. For example, strap 230 loops through an opening inconnector first portion 241, which may be the male part of a clipbuckle. In one embodiment, strap 230 is generally aligned alonglongitudinal pouch axis 201 and is centered laterally on back surface204. In some embodiments, strap body portion 232 is reinforced with aplastic strip to increase its stiffness for easier insertion throughpassageways 134.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a side elevational view shows a lower endportion 205 of tool holder 200 of FIGS. 4-5. Lower end portion 205includes a lower back surface 204 a and holder bottom surface 210. Strap230 extends along back surface 204 and connects to connector firstportion 240. Connector second portion 242 is fixedly attached to holderbottom surface 210. In some embodiments where connector 240 is a clipbuckle, connector second portion 242 is the female portion of the clipbuckle and is secured through bottom surface 210 of tool holder 200. Inone embodiment, bottom surface 210 defines an internal acute angle βwith pouch back surface 204, where β is about 75°. When angle β is lessthan 90°, connector 240 is less prone to accidental disengagement and isalso more easily accessed by the user when disengagement is desired toremove or attach tool holder 200 to garment 100.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a front perspective view illustrates anotherembodiment of tool holder 200 of the present invention. Holder body 202includes a self-tightening strap 209 attached to sides 202 a, 202 b ofholder body extending transversely across a middle portion 203 locatedbetween opening 208 and bottom surface 210. In one embodiment,self-tightening strap 209 is located about halfway between opening 208and bottom surface 210. Self-tightening strap 209 is made of or containsan elastic material and is secured in a tensioned state across toolholder 200 when tool compartment 206 is fully open. Accordingly,self-tightening strap 209 is biased to have a shorter length and appliespressure against holder body 202 to bias tool compartment 206 towards aclosed state along middle portion 203. In this embodiment, holder body202 is made of a pliable material that allows tool compartment 206 todeform or crush due to the elastic properties of self-tightening strap209. When the user installs a tool or implement 299 into tool holder200, the elastic properties of self-tightening strap 209 allow it toexpand to a longer length and permit implement 299 to be inserted intotool compartment 206 past self-tightening strap 209. The elasticproperties of self-tightening strap 209 then urge middle portion 203against implement 299 installed in tool holder 200 and help retain it intool compartment 206 due to frictional engagement between middle portion203 and implement 299.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a rear perspective view shows anotherembodiment of tool holder 200 with a plurality of straps 230. Straps 230are secured to back surface 204 with strap body 232 of straps 230 spacedapart and generally parallel to one another. In other embodiments asshown in FIG. 9, connectors 240 attach to a lower back surface 204 a oftool holder 200. Straps 230 are configured and positioned to extendthrough passageways 134 of any or all of webbings 130, 140, 150 ongarment 100. When connector second portion 242 is fixed to bottomsurface 210, a strap length 248 and tool holder 200 may be sized ascompact as desired while still allowing attachment to webbings 130, 140,150. For example, for tool holder 200 intended to attach to webbings 130spaced apart by webbing width W1, tool holder may be sized to extendonly minimally past the uppermost and lowermost webbings 130 used forattachment. Further, when connector 240 is against bottom surface 210 asshown in FIG. 8 rather than against back surface 204 as shown in FIG. 9,connectors 240 do not press into the user's body to cause discomfort,especially when garment 100 is made of a relatively thin material thatallows the user to feel protrusions and objects through the material.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a rear perspective view shows straps 230 ofanother embodiment of tool holder 200. In this embodiment, straps 230are fixedly attached to back surface 204 at a common or overlappingpoint of attachment 250, such as one centered laterally on back surface204 adjacent pouch opening 208. In one embodiment, straps 230 are madeof a single length of material that is folded into an inverted V shape,where the point of the V is point of attachment 250. In otherembodiments, straps 230 are individual lengths of material that haveproximal end portions 234 secured, such as by stitching, to back surface204 at a common or overlapping point of attachment 250.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a rear perspective view shows anotherembodiment of tool holder 200, where straps 230 are made of a singlelength of material into an inverted V shape. Here, point of attachment250 is located to one side of back surface 204 along holder opening 208.First strap portion 230 a extends towards an opposite corner of backsurface 204 and second strap portion 230 b extends parallel to centralpouch axis 201 along one side 204 a of back surface 204. Such anembodiment allows tool holder 200 to occupy various orientations on PALSwebbing, whether extending parallel to or inclined with respect to ahorizontal axis 113. If first strap portion 230 a is used on horizontalwebbings, tool holder 200 will have an inclined position. On the otherhand, if second strap portion 230 b is used on horizontal webbings, toolholder 200 will have a vertical position. Both of first and second strapportions 230 a, 230 b may be used for an intermediate or slightlyinclined position of tool holder 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12C, top, side and front perspective views,respectively, illustrate another embodiment of tool holder 200. As shownin FIG. 12A, tool holder includes retractor pocket 214 to hold a tetherretractor 216 that includes retractor body 216 a and retractable tethercord 216 b. In one embodiment, retractor pocket 214 is formed betweenback surface 204 and tool compartment 206 adjacent pouch opening 208,where retractable tether cord 216 b passes through tether opening 222defined in seam 258 along top end 211 of tool holder 200. In oneembodiment, each strap proximal end portion 234 is secured into seam258, such as by stitching or other suitable means.

As shown in FIGS. 12B-12C, each strap 230 extends down along backsurface 204 of tool holder 200 and is sized to wrap around bottomsurface 210 and extend up along front surface 212 so that connectorfirst portion 241 on strap distal end 236 can engage connector secondportion 242 secured to front surface 212 of tool holder 200. Preferably,connector(s) 240 are located on front surface 212 close to, but notextending beyond bottom end 210 a. Such a location reduces theopportunity for strap(s) 230 to inadvertently tangle with otherequipment and structures. An advantage of connector(s) 240 located onfront surface is that when tool holder 200 is subjected to pullingforces from any direction, strap(s) 230 bear these forces rather thanconnector(s) 240. In contrast, pouches of the prior art have connectors240 located on back surface 204, where connectors 240 are prone tofailure when the pouch is pulled away from the MOLLE garment since theconnectors 240 themselves largely bear the force of the pulling action.Thus, tool holder 200 with straps 230 as shown in FIGS. 12A-12C are moresecure and better prevent inadvertent drops of tools and the tool holder200 itself.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13C, another embodiment of tool holder 200 isshown, where tool holder 200 is equipped with a bracket 256 to acceptthe belt clip on tape measures and the like. Bracket 256 has a U-shapeto define a gap between bracket 256 and front surface 212, where thebelt clip extends in the gap. Similar to tool holder of FIGS. 12A-12C,this embodiment defines a retractor pocket 214 for retractor 216.Connectors 240 are located on front surface 212 for secure attachment oftool holder 200 to garments or equipment with MOLLE/PALS webbing.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a front elevational view shows one embodimentof garment 100 with a plurality of tool holders 200 installed on firstwebbings 130, second webbings 140, and sternal webbings 150. Straps 230of each tool holder 200 are illustrated in broken lines. First webbings130 include first right webbings 130 a & 130 a′ and first left webbings130 b. Tool holders 200 a, 200 b, 200 c are installed on second webbings140. Tool holder 200 d is installed on sternal webbings 150. Tool holder200 e is installed on first right webbings 130 a. Tool holders 200 f,200 g are installed on first left webbings 130 b. Tool holder 200 g hasstrap 230 g extending diagonally across back surface 204 g, whichenables tool holder 200 g to be installed in a slightly inclinedposition. Tool holder 200 h is installed on additional first rightwebbings 130 a′, which include a webbing that extends substantiallyhorizontally, and webbings above it that incline upwards toward medialline at 3°, 6°, and 9° moving from low to high as shown in FIG. 14.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a front elevational view shows anotherembodiment of garment 100 in a partially open configuration. Garment 100includes one or more garment retractor pockets 280 fixedly attached toan inside surface 102 b of front panel 102. In one embodiment, eachgarment retractor pocket 280 is made by securing a piece of fabric toinside surface 102 b of front panel 102 to define a compartment withinthe garment retractor pocket 280. As discussed with retractor pocket 214on tool holder 200, each garment retractor pocket 280 is sized andconfigured to hold a retractor body 216 a with a retractable tether cord216 b. In some embodiments, each garment retractor pocket 280 has anaccess opening 284 for installing or removing retractor body 216 a.Access opening 284 may be positioned along an edge or across face ofgarment retractor pocket 280. In some embodiments, access opening 284can be opened and closed selectively by including hook-and-loop fastenerstrips (not shown) along access opening 284. Each garment retractorpocket 280 has one or more garment tether openings 282 through frontpanel 102 through which retractable tether cord 216 b extends to connectto a tool or implement 299 disposed in tool holder 200 or otheraccessory on garment 100. Garment tether openings 282 are sized to allowpassage of retractable tether cord 216 b, but not retractor body 216 a.Garment tether openings 282 may be a grommet, slit, or other passagethrough front panel 102 that is sized for passage of retractable tethercord 216 b. Preferably, garment tether openings 282 are positioned onfront panel 102 between first webbings 130. In some embodiments,retractable tether cord 216 b extends through access opening 284 orother opening in garment retractor pocket 280 before passing throughgarment tether opening 282 in front panel 102.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a front elevational view illustrates oneembodiment of a tool garment/safety harness combination 300. Combination300 includes a pair of adjustable shoulder straps 306, 308 that extendbetween and connect rear panel 104 and front panel 102 of garment 100 atshoulders 116. Left strap 310 extends from rear panel 104 to anadjustable left leg loop 312. Similarly, a right strap 320 extends fromreal panel 104 to an adjustable right leg loop 322. A torso strap 330extends between and connects right strap 320 and left strap 310. A rearring 340 (e.g., a D-ring) is secured to harness 304 and rear panel 104garment 100 constructed for attachment of a fall-prevention tether (notshown). Preferably, rear panel 104 has a recess or cutout 161 for rearring 340. Cutout 161 allows rear ring 340 to be positioned below theuser's shoulders and neck. In one embodiment, rear ring 340 is a D-ringrated for 400 pounds (181 kg). Garment 100 and harness 304 areintegrally connected, which simplifies donning harness 304 compared tostand-alone harnesses of the prior art. Also, garment 100 helpsdistribute fall forces exerted on harness 304 in the event of a fall. Aswith embodiments of garment 100 discussed above, combination 300includes one or more of first webbings 130, second webbings 140, and/orsternal webbings 150 for attachment of tool holders 200, pouches, andaccessories compatible with MOLLE/PALS webbing.

In use, first webbings 130, second webbings 140, and sternal webbings150 may be used to configure garment 100 for attachment of accessoriesand pouches in optimal locations and orientations for workers who usehand tools. When garment 100 includes one or more regions withhorizontal webbings, inclined webbings, inclined webbings at variousangles α, and sternal webbings, and when tool holders 200 include straps230 configured for use with such webbings, a worker has many, manyoptions available for a tool vest or other garment 100 with acustomizable arrangement of removable accessories, such as tool holders200. Of course, garment 100 can be used with other known accessorypouches, and attachments compatible with MOLLE/PALS webbing. Whenattaching a pouch or accessory to garment 100 using first webbings 130,the pouch or accessory is inclined with its opening in a “cross-draw”orientation and facing upwards an inwards at an angle defined by thewebbings. The user then has improved access to the inclined pouch, whichimproves efficiency and reduces the frequency of dropped tools. Whenintegrally combined with a harness 304, garment 100 becomes a safe andeffective way to hold tools in addition to addressing fall prevention.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Furthermodification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to thoseskilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed tobe within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A tool holder compatible with MOLLE/PALS webbing systemscomprising: a holder body defining a tool compartment with a holderopening, a holder back surface extending along a holder longitudinalaxis, and a holder bottom surface; a strap having a strap proximal endportion, a strap body portion, and a strap distal end portion, whereinthe strap proximal end portion is secured adjacent a top end of the toolholder and the strap body portion extends down along the holder backsurface to the strap distal end portion; a connector first portionsecured to the strap distal end portion; and a connector second portionsecured to a holder front surface and configured to releasably engagethe connector first portion, wherein when the connector first portionengages the connector second portion, the strap wraps around the holderbottom surface and extends part way upward along the front surface. 2.The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the tool holder defines a retractorpocket located between the back surface and the tool compartment andhaving a tether opening adjacent the holder opening.
 3. The tool holderof claim 1, wherein the holder bottom surface and the holder backsurface define an acute internal angle.
 4. The tool holder of claim 1,wherein the strap body portion includes a first strap body portion and asecond strap body portion each extending from a common point ofattachment on the holder back surface adjacent the holder opening.
 5. Atool pouch compatible with MOLLE/PALS webbing, the tool pouchcomprising: a holder body defining a tool compartment with a holderopening, a holder back surface extending along a longitudinal pouchaxis, and a holder bottom surface; at least one strap having a strapproximal end portion, a strap body portion, and a strap distal endportion, wherein the strap proximal end portion is secured to the holderback surface adjacent the holder opening and the strap body portionextends along the holder back surface to the strap distal end portionand has a length sized to extend around the bottom surface of the toolholder and part way up a holder front surface; a connector first portionsecured to the strap distal end portion of each at least one strap; anda connector second portion secured to the holder front surface andconfigured to releasably mate with and engage the connector firstportion; wherein the at least one strap is configured to be insertedthrough passageways defined by the MOLLE/PALS webbing and the connectorfirst portion secured to the connector second portion, thereby attachingthe tool holder to the MOLLE/PALS webbing.
 6. The tool pouch of claim 5,wherein the at least one strap extends at an angle along the holder backsurface with respect to the longitudinal pouch axis.
 7. The tool pouchof claim 5, wherein the holder body is made of a pliable material andwherein the tool holder further comprises: a self-tightening strapsecured to and extending between a first side portion and a second sideportion of the holder body and extending across a middle portion of theholder body, wherein the self-tightening strap comprises an elasticmaterial and is sized to bias the tool compartment towards a closedstate along the middle portion; wherein elastic properties of theself-tightening strap urge the middle portion against an implementinstalled in the tool compartment to frictionally engage the implement.8. The tool pouch of claim 7, wherein the self-tightening strap islocated about halfway between the holder opening and the holder bottomsurface.